Saturday, December 30, 2017

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Before the holiday poinsettia and flower display is taken down, go visit the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park to lift your spirits. The current frigid temperatures need this kind of balm to make the weather outside more endurable! In case you missed previous posts of the show, go here and here and here!

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

If Minnesota residents are smart, they will stay home where it is warm rather than open that gate and venture outdoors. Why? Well, currently at 7 am it is 7 degrees below zero. Don't even want to check the wind chill temperature. Stay home and stay warm!!

Friday, December 22, 2017

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Although the same number of people are not present at the Arboreteum, a real Minnesota treasure, in the colder months as in the warmer season, it is open all year long. Recently my hiking club took a 3-mile hike on the spacious grounds with lunch following the trek. Admittedly I did not complete the entire hike, yet I now feel inspired to get in better shape to continue this new interest. The members of the group alone are enough to keep me motivated and interested.

History and Mission

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, a top visitor attraction, is more than 1,200 acres of gardens and tree collections, prairie and woods and miles of trails. As a premier northern garden, the Arboretum was borne out of the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center and established in 1958, with the Men's Garden Club of Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka Garden Club, Minnesota State Horticultural Society and other community supporters creating the Arboretum as a gift to the University of Minnesota. Click here for more information.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Monday, December 18, 2017

While walking with a cane on icy sidewalks and holding a leash with Wild Wendy at the end, it is sometimes difficult to produce an image that isn't blurred. Whenever I see one of these birdhouses, I often stop and think about one of our former bloggers, Birdman, who died unexpectedly several years ago. I like to think that my pause is a small homage to his memory, a person whom I never met but I still miss.

Sunday, December 17, 2017

A little thing like a total knee replacement on August 18th and unexpected nerve damage, making my left foot numb as a result of the surgery cannot keep down a "nasty woman who votes." According to tests, complete recovery of tibial nerve is inconclusive. Last week I joined a hiking club (check this link) to test my agility and ability to walk a significant distance. Members of the club were both welcoming and encouraging. I think that these hiking shoes will spur me on! Now I need some collapsable walking sticks (gotta get 'em in a suitcase), Santa?!

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Yesterday on the second night of Hanukkah DH and I attended the Winter Concert at the JCC. A lovely hour and a half of good music. I am happy that we are members there because we have enjoyed participating in many programs of varied topics as well as meeting new people and making new friends.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

I have posted the Sunken Garden seasonal floral show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory many times over the past several years. Instead of the traditional very red poinsettias for this holiday season, this year the petite flowers were white and varied hues of pink. About 20 members of a hiking club I just joined walked to the conservatory from another member's house that is closer to the park. Despite the fact that I trailed behind all the hikers, the cold wind and weather with sidewalks covered with snow and ice were largely forgotten after arrival and the sight of the floral display.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Saturday, December 09, 2017

There seems to be an endless controversy about wolves and whether or not they should be protected. Each side seems to have valid arguments for their position. The painting that is on exhibit at Cafe Latte on Grand Avenue (see yesterday's post) shows the conundrum faced by wild animals when "civilisation" impinges upon their natural territory.

Friday, December 08, 2017

DH and I often pop into Cafe Latte on Grand Avenue for a quick bite to eat. In addition to the good food and swift service, often there are paintings of local artists displayed for the diners' enjoyment. Currently on the second floor balcony is an array of paintings of bikes done in heavy strokes of oil. I didn't get the name of the artist so I will have to return to get it.

Tuesday, December 05, 2017

While enjoying my morning coffee and navigating through the eEdition of the Star Tribune (yes, I am getting used to it!), I heard the scraping of shovel against snow. Randy, the faithful yard and snow genii, had been up since 2 am servicing his grateful customers. Ever mindful of my recent knee surgery, he warned me that it is "sheer ice" under the cover of snow. Guess I'll stay housebound today!

Saturday, December 02, 2017

Friday, December 01, 2017

On the first day of every month the City Daily Photo Community comes together publishing photos from around the world with
their interpretation of the chosen theme.To see other City Daily Photo bloggers' interpretations of the December theme,

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

The Jewish Community Center in St. Paul is in the middle of a huge construction addition and remodeling effort that will have expanded space and new areas to enjoy. As typical of any effort like this, part of the space seems disorganized. These life size photos and signs help correct some of the confusion.

My own body has endured similar disarray and confusion since my total knee replacement so I decided that I, too, need some remodeling! Yesterday I started training with a delightful young man in the Fitness Center. Because I am still healing, we are working on my "core" (the term makes me giggle) and upper body. When Dane, my new hero, was introducing me to the machines and adjusting the weights, I apprehensively reminded him that I am a grandmother. His reply? "Yes, but you will be a STRONG grandmother!" How can you not love a young man like that?